Pardew says Newcastle 'still in the market'

31 July 2013 12:27

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Alan Pardew has warned that Newcastle will not be held to ransom as they continue their pursuit of their striking targets.

The Magpies hope to hold talks with Darren Bent's advisors this week, while their offer for Lyon's Bafetimbi Gomis remains on the table and they continue to investigate the possibility of a loan move for QPR's Loic Remy.

Progress has been slow to date with director of football Joe Kinnear as yet unable to deliver on his bullish promise of an early breakthrough following his appointment. However, Pardew is still hopeful of getting the men he wants, but only if the deal is right.

He told the Chronicle: "I'm not concerned about any of them slipping away. I think that we are in the market still. We will pay what we think is the right price."

Newcastle have consistently refused to budge on their valuation of a player since adopting their now tried and tested approach to transfers, and have seen a series of potential signings go elsewhere as a result.

However, their offer for Gomis remains on the table after Lyon rejected their latest bid, while they have been encouraged in their quest to land Aston Villa's Bent, although Fulham too are maintaining an interest in the England international.

Remy turned down the chance to join the Magpies in January, but suffered relegation with QPR and appears to be available once again. But owner Mike Ashley continues to look for value and there is little prospect of the club paying what they consider to be over the odds for players.

Pardew said: "We have done that ever since we have been here. We have always managed to get somebody over the line and I think we will this time. They are all very much on the radar. We will pursue them until we get them."

Pardew was at least able to welcome Papiss Cisse back into the fold on Tuesday night as the Senegal international returned from his exile and scored in a 2-0 friendly victory at St Mirren wearing the club's new Wonga shirt.

It was Muslim Cisse's first outing since he agreed to end his boycott of the sponsor's branding on religious grounds.